Monday, January 20, 2014

Carlo Scissura, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, sent in a statement on the expansion of paid sick leave in NYC that left no doubt that he's not the bill's biggest fan.

He might go for it, however, if the Mayor will cut some slack for small businesses, such as easing regulations and fines.

He said:

"We applaud Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for addressing the needs of all workers in New York City.

"However, this is the first step in a larger discussion about the needs of small businesses and their employees. While we work to address the imbalances of workers, we must ensure that the needs of small businesses - the engine of job growth throughout the five boroughs - are taken into account and addressed.

"Importantly, we look forward to reviewing the bill and working with Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito on the easing of other regulations and aggressive fines that have burdened small businesses for years. This is an opportunity for all Chambers of Commerce to come together and discuss the rights of workers and how to balance that with the needs of small business owners."